The Directors Guild of South Africa (DGSA) has ushered in a new chapter for the local film and TV industry with the launch of its first-ever DGSA Creative Awards, shining a long-overdue spotlight on the directors and creative forces behind South Africa’s film, television and digital storytelling.
Held in Cape Town from 10-11 April at the Century City Conference Centre, the event brought together stakeholders, creatives, and leaders in the industry for a first-of-its-kind platform aimed at honouring brilliance in screen directing as a driving force behind the nation’s cultural and economic narrative.
The DGSA represents the interests of cinema and television directors nationwide, dedicated to improving the creative, financial, and professional standing of directors. Their event was more than just a celebration; it marked a change in the way South African directors are acknowledged, protected, and elevated in a highly competitive worldwide industry.
Additionally, it reaffirmed how crucial authorship and genuine narrative are to establishing South Africa as a potent creative force on the international scene.
Cape {town} Etc Discount Alert! Unlock Cape Town’s best experiences for half the price! From unforgettable adventures to hidden gems and mouthwatering restaurants, these limited-time deals won’t last long. Snag your discount before they’re gone!
The event honoured local talent with categorised awards, with Mandla Dube taking home two awards for Best Director (Silverton Siege) and Outstanding Cinematic Vision. (Heart of the Hunter) Jozua Malherbe took home the awards for Best Director – Short Film (ENGEL) and Director – TV Series, an award he shares with Karen Jeynes for Recipes for Love and Murder.
Meekaaeel Adam was awarded Best First-Time Director for The Trek, as well as Best Editing.
Several other awards were given out during the event, including:
- Best Feature Film: Kelsey Egan (The Fix)
- Best Supporting Actress: Robyn Roussouw (The Fix)
- Best Documentary Feature: Yaseen J Khan (Robots)
- Best Director – Commercial: Lourens van Rensburg (Chicken Licken Soulfluncer)
- Best Director – Music Video: Macmillan Mabaleka (The Big 3 Trilogy)
- Best Director – Digital: Dibi & Zigi (Snippets)
- Best Cinematography: Hayden Brown (Bergbruidjie)
- Best Actress: Connie Ferguson (Heart of the Hunter)
- Best Actor: Thabo Rametsi (Kalushi)
- Best Supporting Actor: Julian Robinson (Just Now Jeffrey)
The posthumous presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to the late Connie Chiume, which honoured her lasting contribution to the arts and her influence on generations of performers and storytellers, was one of the evening’s most important moments.
‘This moment marks more than an awards ceremony — it is the beginning of a movement to honour, protect, and elevate South African directors,‘ said DGSA Chairperson, Andile Sinqoto.
The DGSA Creative Awards’ debut marks the start of what is expected to become a significant annual platform that supports the expansion, prominence, and sustainability of South Africa’s screen sector and celebrates brilliance. Initiatives like this are essential to ensuring that local talent is recognised domestically while being prepared to compete and collaborate globally as the sector develops.
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp Channel for content worth tapping into! Click here to join!
Also Read:
Cinergy powers One Piece Season 2 with clean energy in boost for SA film industry
Picture: Supplied
